Alton, IL vs Skokie, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Skokie, IL is dramatic. Alton is 37% cheaper than Skokie, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Skokie sits at 111, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,491/month in Skokie — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $368,600.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $93,550 in Skokie (-43.3%). While Skokie is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Skokie.